LAS CRUCES — It's tradition that's been around longer than New Mexico has been a state.

Led by the 1st Armored Division Band, from Fort Bliss, and including a flyover of two vintage World War II aircraft, officials staged the 115th annual Pass-In-Review Ceremony Thursday at the New Mexico State University Horseshoe. Almost 180 cadets, including students of NMSU's Army and Air Force ROTC programs, and Las Cruces High School's Junior ROTC program paraded before NMSU Chancellor Garrey Carruthers, Army Lt. Col. Blanca Reyes and Air Force Lt. Col. Jeremiah Klomp.

Carruthers was an NMSU Air Force ROTC cadet as an undergraduate student in the early 1960s.

"I'd like to think this is my ROTC," said Carruthers, recalling his three years as an ROTC cadet at NMSU. "Back in the old days, you were required — all able-bodied men — had to participate. Many aspects of critical thinking and leadership were instilled in me on this field.

"What a great thing, to ask an old man to come out here and see great expanding minds."

Army Brig. Gen. Eric L. Sanchez, White Sands Missile Range commander, was also invited to Thursday's ceremony. The event brought back memories for Sanchez, a distinguished military graduate of NMSU. He last participated in the Pass-In-Review ceremony 30 years ago.

"It made me feel much older," said Sanchez, after the ceremony. "I can't believe now I looked as young as these cadets."

Sanchez said his most vivid memory of participating in the annual ceremony was the camaraderie he shared with other cadets.

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Cadet Lt. Col. Richard Buck stands at attention during the playing of "The Star-Spangled Banner," Thursday, April 13, 2017, during the 115th Pass-in-Review of the New Mexico State University ROTC programs. Josh Bachman/Sun-News

Cadet Staff Sgt. Wilton Buntain, right, adjusts Cadet Pfc. Maxwell Wren's uniform before the start of the 115th Pass-in-Review, presented by the Air Force and Army ROTC programs at New Mexico State University on Thursday April 13, 2017. Josh Bachman/Sun-News

A 1st Consolidated Vultee and a North American T-6 Texan, flew over the Horseshoe during the New Mexico State University Air Force and Army ROTC 115th Pass-in-Review, Thursday, April 13, 2017. Josh Bachman/Sun-News

The Las Cruces High School Army Junior ROTC Cadets stand at attention during the New Mexico State University Air Force and Army ROTC programs 115th Pass-in-Review, Thursday, April 13, 2017. Josh Bachman/Sun-News

Sgt. 1st Class Gerorge Padilla the conductor of the 1st Armored Division Band from Fort Bliss, provided the music for the New Mexico State University's ROTC's 115th Pass -in-Review, Thursday, April 13, 2017. Josh Bachman/Sun-News

New Mexico State University's Army ROTC marches past their commanding officers and professors during the 115th Pass-In-Review of the Army and Air Force ROTC programs, Thursday, April 13, 20176. Josh Bachman/Sun-News

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The annual Pass-In-Review is presented by the Air Force and Army ROTC programs in NMSU's College of Arts and Sciences. It is a formal military ceremony that displays the strength and unity of a detachment as well as promoting teamwork and pride within an organization, according to an NMSU news release.

The ceremony is based on the inspection processes of the U.S. military.

“It’s our one time each year to formally present the Air Force ROTC and the Army ROTC to the chancellor for review,” Klomp said. “The event is really all about the cadets. It is their opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned over the past one, two, three or four years, depending on how long they have been with the program.”

Although steeped in tradition, there was a "first" in Thursday's ceremony. As many as 60 Las Cruces High School Army Junior ROTC cadets also passed in review, marking the first time a high school Junior ROTC program participated in the event.

"It was impressive to see them as part of this ceremony," said Air Force Brig. Gen. Fermin Rubio, commander of the New Mexico Air National Guard. "I have attended this ceremony before, but I've never seen a high school unit as a part of it. These are the future leaders of our military, and these programs are where leaders are shaped."

Reyes and Klomp said they, too, were impressed and other high school Junior ROTC units will likely be invited to participate in future ceremonies.

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Cadet Lt. Col. Richard Buck stands at attention during the playing of "The Star-Spangled Banner," Thursday, April 13, 2017, during the 115th Pass-in-Review of the New Mexico State University ROTC programs. Josh Bachman/Sun-News

Cadet Staff Sgt. Wilton Buntain, right, adjusts Cadet Pfc. Maxwell Wren's uniform before the start of the 115th Pass-in-Review, presented by the Air Force and Army ROTC programs at New Mexico State University on Thursday April 13, 2017. Josh Bachman/Sun-News

A 1st Consolidated Vultee and a North American T-6 Texan, flew over the Horseshoe during the New Mexico State University Air Force and Army ROTC 115th Pass-in-Review, Thursday, April 13, 2017. Josh Bachman/Sun-News

The Las Cruces High School Army Junior ROTC Cadets stand at attention during the New Mexico State University Air Force and Army ROTC programs 115th Pass-in-Review, Thursday, April 13, 2017. Josh Bachman/Sun-News

Sgt. 1st Class Gerorge Padilla the conductor of the 1st Armored Division Band from Fort Bliss, provided the music for the New Mexico State University's ROTC's 115th Pass -in-Review, Thursday, April 13, 2017. Josh Bachman/Sun-News

New Mexico State University's Army ROTC marches past their commanding officers and professors during the 115th Pass-In-Review of the Army and Air Force ROTC programs, Thursday, April 13, 20176. Josh Bachman/Sun-News